Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) were measured in Mediterranean bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) to verify the compliance with the EU regulations for food commercialization. The estimated intakes were also evaluated. The analyses were performed by gas chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). The PCBs were dominant (1132.0 ng g−1 l.w.), followed by PCDFs (23.2 pg g−1 l.w.) and PCDDs (8.5 pg g−1 l.w.). The pollutant levels (dl-PCBs: 0.7 pg TEQ/g w.w.; PCDD/Fs: 1.9 pg TEQ/g w.w.) and their sum expressed as TEQ values (2.6 pg TEQ/g w.w.) remained below the limits for human consumption proposed by the European Union. On the contrary, the sum of the six indicator non-dioxin-like PCBs (84.2 ng g−1 w.w.) was slightly above the maximum level fixed by the in-force legislation. The estimated dietary intakes for PCDD/Fs plus dl-PCBs were below the toxicological reference values (TRVs) set by various international bodies, while non-cancer and cancer risk assessment revealed a safety concern. Additionally, the estimated intake of ndl-PCBs exceeded the maximum levels set by different European countries. These findings suggest caution in tuna consumption together with an active and frequent surveillance of the chemical quality of its flesh.
Highlights
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs), usually known with The term “dioxins” and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons exhibiting a high toxic potential
The present study reports The results of congener-specific analysis of PCBs and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) performed specimens considered one of the specimens most highly valuable one fishery resources
Group (PCDD/Fs range: 5.3–70.1 pg g−1 lipid weight; mean: 31.7 pg g−1 lipid weight; PCDFs range: 2.7–67.5 pg g−1 lipid weight; mean 23.2 pg g−1 lipid weight; PCDDs range: ND-18.1 pg g−1 lipid weight; mean: 8.5 pg g−1 lipid weight) (p < 0.001) and no significant difference in The PCB and PCDD/F contamination level was observed between males and females (p > 0.05)
Summary
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs), usually known with The term “dioxins” and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons exhibiting a high toxic potential Their toxic action in humans, following chronic exposure, includes carcinogenic potency, immunotoxicity, and a range of negative endocrine effects related to reproduction [1]. More recently a whole PCB group was classified as carcinogenic for humans [3] too Due to their characteristics of elevated chemical stability and persistence, these toxicants are present in all environmental media compromising absolutely The “health” of The environment and its biota. The worldwide legislation has fixedprior limitstoon marketing, as well as a relevant number of international regulatory bodies have set up fishof The concentration of these chemicals in seafood prior to marketing, as well as a relevant number consumption guidelines forbodies consumer the World. The standards established by different food safety organizations [13,14,15,16]
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